I have a 280SE 3.5 W108 and am busy cleaning this weekend. Does anybody know how I can remove the "280SE" and the "3.5" badges from the boot lid in a way that I can of course place them back after I am done? The badges seem to have little protruding bits that stick through holes in the boot lid and on the inside are being held by a little metal clip. I bet if I remove the clips, the badges will come off. The question then becomes, how do I remove the clips without breaking them?

I hope someone else answers so they can confirm what I am about to say or come up with something better. You are right about the pins and clips. Later 116 is easier because they still have the pins but the clips/ holders push in from the outside first and I know you just push on the pin from the inside and they press out. But I reckon the 108 ones have a flat clip on the inside with like 2 flaps in it that grab the clip. If you try to push the pin they will just grab and dig in more. So I have used a very small screwdriver or knife to get behind the flap bit itself and lever outwards. then at the same time jiggle and turn the clip and even lever a bit also. If you have stretched the flap bits out a bit you can usually hammer them flatter again but at worse if you break the clip I bet the forum sponsor has some pretty cheap Badges arent so cheap though so if there are any sacrificial bits make sure it is the clips!

Best of luck though - and of course the age these cars are you never know what could be holding them with past owners having a go.

Thanks for the replies. Craig, your solution description is much better than my problem description.

Anyway, I followed your instructions, but am coming to the point that I feel I will break the clips if I put more force on them with the screw driver. They are pretty corroded. I may therefore see if I can find some replacement clips before I break them.

Thanks for the replies guys. I found it impossible to remove the clips. They do come loose, but will not pry off all together. So, I managed to get them loose enough so I could clean underneath the badges, then I folded the clips back into place. Looking great now!